How Confident Are You in Your Writing?

Posted on July 8, 2021

When it comes time to show your writing to other people, how do you feel? Excited to share your work, or nervous and protective?

If the second scenario speaks to you, this post is just what you need!

I’m talking about those pages and pages of writing you so carefully crafted but left buried away to never see the light of day. The poems, short stories, that novel you started but never got further than a few chapters, the outlines for a new tale that never grew into anything more. Within those files could well be the next Harry Potter, the next Who Moved My Cheese or the next What Colour is Your Parachute?.

How could I know this?

It’s simple. You are the only person who has lived your life.

You are the only person who has your exact point of view, who perceives the world exactly your way.

Only you have your lived experience. That immediately gives you an advantage. You’re the only person who writes like you do.

With that in mind, what is it that’s holding you back? Why does the thought of someone else reading your writing give you stomach-ache and sleepless nights?

Ultimately, the only way that you’re going to improve your writing is to show it to other people. Find someone you trust – a writing group, a friend, a mentor – and be brave! Be open to feedback, to criticism and to praise.

Once you start to open up, showing your work to a few people, it gets easier and less scary (sometimes!).

Go for it! And let us know on Insta, how you get on.

Speaking of Instagram, look out for some ‘story starters’ writing challenges on our grid to help get those creative juices flowing. Share snippets of your writing in the comments and get feedback there and then.